Addressing a day-long seminar on HIV Aids Prevention for tribal communities at Mallegowda Hospital by State Aids Prevention Society and District Aids Control Organisation, he said that there are as many as 2.5 crore HIV positive people in the country of which 2.76 lakh are in Karnataka. Karnataka stands second in the country in number of HIV cases.
“Awareness on modes of transmission of the disease is the only way to control the disease. Large number of youth are becoming victims of this disease,” he said and added that awareness and adoption of precautionary measures while involving into sexual activity can control spreading of HIV/Aids.
He said that there are lot of stigma attached to the disease, which must be overcome. HIV positive persons must be treated with love and care. “Humane approach and normal treatment to HIV affected persons will give them the confidence to live,” he said.
District Medical Officer Dr K B Eshwarappa, Karnataka State Aids Prevention Society representative Sapor, Medical Officer Dr Sanmathi Prabhu, Deputy Director of Women and Child Welfare Department Gertrude Veigas and other dignitaries were present at the seminar.